(July 10, 2011) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Transferring ownership of a used car can often be a bureaucratic headache at the local Department of Motor Vehicles, but Edmunds.com says that car owners can sometimes avoid the long lines and red tape by steering clear of the DMV altogether.

Edmunds.com reports that in many states, auto clubs affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) can perform many DMV services, including car registration and applying for duplicate car titles. AAA can also assist members with submitting the appropriate forms in the right combinations to address unusual situations, such as owner deaths and lost titles.

"Many members are not even aware that their clubs offer DMV service, but it's a nice benefit that can often save time and stress," says Phil Reed, senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds.com. "If drivers are not AAA club members, though, they can consult with other non-DMV sources like their insurance agents or third-party agencies that specialize in vehicle registrations services."

For involved questions about motor vehicle laws, however, the DMV is sometimes the only alternative. In these situations, Edmunds.com has a few suggestions to avoid common hang-ups in the sale and registration process:

    • Be sure that all loans on the car are paid and secure a verifying signature on the title from the bank representative.
   
    • Make sure signatures for all names on the title are included.
    
    • Consult with the state DMV's website to find out how to correctly sign and date the title.
   
    • Don't date the title until the sale or purchase of the car is final.
    
    • Make a point to keep a positive, patient attitude with DMV representatives

"DMVs have a reputation for poor customer experiences but, to their credit, many states have taken positive steps toward improving the quality and efficiency of their services," says Reed.

"California, for example, now has downloadable forms at its DMV Web site, instructional YouTube videos, self-service terminals at branch offices, and even a new mobile phone app. Even the pain of long, uncertain telephone hold times is numbed by 'virtual hold,' which allows a caller to leave a name and number for a DMV representative to call back within a stated amount of time."

For more of Edmunds.com's advice on making the car registration experience as seamless as possible, visit "Avoiding DMV Car-Buying and Car-Selling Hassles."